Decreased expression levels of DAL-1 and TOB1 are associated with clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in gastric cancer

PurposeWe previously demonstrated that the functional inactivation of DAL-1 and TOB1 promotes an aggressive phenotype in gastric cancer cells, but the links between both genes and the survival of patients with gastric cancer are unknown. Here, we investigated the correlations of the expression levels of DAL-1 and TOB1 with the progression of gastric cancer.MethodsA total of 270 patients who underwent resectable gastrectomy were included. The expression of DAL-1 and TOB1 was detected by immunohistochemistry.ResultsLow expression of DAL-1 in cancer tissue was significantly associated with tumor site (p < 0.05), histological grade (p < 0.01), depth of invasion (p < 0.05), lymph node metastasis status (p < 0.05), Lauren classification (p < 0.001), and clinical stage (p < 0.01). A lower level of TOB1 was observed in gastric cancer patients with diffuse type disease compared to patients with either intestinal or mixed type disease (p < 0.001). Additionally, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that decreased expression of DAL-1 was positively correlated with low TOB1 expression (r=0.304, p < 0.001). The survival analysis showed that low levels of DAL-1 and TOB1 were significantly associated with poor survival of gastric cancer patients (p <0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionThe downregulation of DAL-1 and TOB1 expression is associated with shorter survival of gastric cancer patients. Hence, DAL-1 and TOB1 may be considered potential novel markers for predicting the outcomes of patients with gastric cancer.     

Investigation of the mechanisms of Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity by a cell metabolomics strategy combined with serum pharmacology in HL-7702 liver cells

1. To investigate Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity, a cell metabolomics strategy combined with serum pharmacology was performed on human HL-7702 liver cells in this study.

2. Firstly, cell viability and biochemical indicators were determined and the cell morphology was observed to confirm the cell injury and develop a cell hepatotoxicity model. Then, with the help of cell metabolomics based on UPLC-MS, the Genkwa Flos group samples were completely separated from the blank group samples in the score plots and seven upregulated as well as two down-regulated putative biomarkers in the loading plot were identified and confirmed. Besides, two signal molecules and four enzymes involved in biosynthesis pathway of lysophosphatidylcholine and the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway were determined to investigate the relationship between Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity and these two classic pathways. Finally, the metabolic pathways related to specific biomarkers and two classic metabolic pathways were analyzed to explain the possible mechanism of Genkwa Flos hepatotoxicity.

3. Based on the results, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, phospholipase A₂/lysophosphatidylcholine pathway, the disturbance of sphingosine-1-phosphate metabolic profile centered on sphingosine kinase/sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway and fatty acid metabolism might be critical participators in the progression of liver injury induced by Genkwa Flos.     

Association of PD-L1 gene rs4143815 C>G polymorphism and human cancer susceptibility: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1) mediated immune escape play important roles in the development of cancer. The gene polymorphism of PD-L1, in particular rs4143815 C?>?G, has been associated with the cancer risks, but with conflicting results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was aimed to assess the association between rs4143815 C?>?G and cancer susceptibility. A systematic literature search was performed to select the studies and the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the strength of association. Eleven eligible studies containing 3711 cases and 3704 controls were enrolled in the meta-analysis. The results suggested that there is a strong association between rs4143815 C?>?G and the cancer risks (G vs. C: OR?=?1.386, 95% CI: 1.132–1.696, p?=?0.002; GG vs. CG?+?CC: OR?=?1.843 95% CI: 1.300–2.613, p?=?0.002; GG?+?CG vs. CC: OR?=?1.280, 95% CI: 1.040–1.576, p?=?0.020). Subgroup analysis based on cancer type suggested that PD-L1 rs4143815 C?>?G might increase the susceptibility to gastric cancer (G vs. C: OR?=?1.842, 95% CI: 1.403–2.418, p?<?0.001) and bladder cancer (G vs. C: OR?=?2.015, 95% CI: 1.556–2.608, p?<?0.001), and genotype GG carriers of PD-L1 rs4143815 C?>?G might have higher risks of HCC (GG vs. CG?+?CC: OR?=?2.226 95% CI: 1.562–3.172, p?<?0.001). PD-L1 rs4143815 C?>?G might confer an increased cancer risk, indicating this SNP may contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer and might be used as a potential biomarker to predict the susceptibility to cancer.     

Germline gain-of-function MMP11 variant results in an aggressive form of colorectal cancer

Matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP11) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity against matrix and nonmatrix proteins. Although most MMPs are secreted as inactive proenzymes and are later activated extracellularly, MMP11 is activated intracellularly by furin within the constitutive secretory pathway. It is a key factor in physiological tissue remodeling and its alteration may play an important role in the progression of epithelial malignancies and other diseases. TCGA colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma data showed that upregulation of MMP11 expression correlates with tumorigenesis and malignancy. Here, we provide evidence that a germline variant in the MMP11 gene (NM_005940: c.232C>T; p.(Pro78Ser)), identified by whole exome sequencing, can increase the tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. P78S is located in the prodomain region, which is responsible for blocking MMP11's protease activity. This variant was detected in the proband and all the cancer-affected family members analyzed, while it was not detected in healthy relatives. In silico analyses predict that P78S could have an impact on the activation of the enzyme. Furthermore, our in vitro analyses show that the expression of P78S in HCT116 cells increases tumor cell invasion and proliferation. In summary, our results show that this variant could modify the structure of the MMP11 prodomain, producing a premature or uncontrolled activation of the enzyme that may contribute to an early CRC onset in these patients. The study of this gene in other CRC cases will provide further information about its role in CRC development, which might improve patient treatment in the future.     

Effects of newly introduced antidiabetic drugs on autophagy

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that has a complex molecular and cellular pathophysiology, resulting in its dynamic progression and that may show differing responses to therapy. The incidence of diabetes mellitus increases with age and requires additive therapeutic agents for its management. SGLT2i and DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are newly introduced antidiabetic drugs that work through differing mechanisms; DPP-4 inhibitors maintain the endogenous level of GLP1; GLP-1RA result in pharmacological levels of GLP1, whilst SGLT2i act on the proximal tubules of the kidney. They have shown efficacy in the management of diabetes and in contrast to other antidiabetic drugs, do not inherently cause hypoglycemia in therapeutic doses. Autophagy as a highly conserved mechanism to maintain cell survival and homeostasis by degradation of damaged or aged organelles and components, and recognised to be increasingly important in diabetes. In the present review, we discuss the modulatory effects of these newly introduced antidiabetic drugs on the autophagy process.     

Ocular dysfunctions and toxicities induced by antiepileptic medications: Types,pathogenic mechanisms,and treatment strategies

Introduction: Ocular dysfunctions and toxicities induced by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are rarely reviewed and not frequently received attention by treating physicians compared to other adverse effects (e.g. endocrinologic, cognitive and metabolic). However, some are frequent and progressive even in therapeutic concentrations or result in permanent blindness. Although some adverse effects are non-specific, others are related to the specific pharmacodynamics of the drug.

Areas covered: This review was written after detailed search in PubMed, EMBASE, ISI web, SciELO, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register databases (from 1970 to 2019). It summarized the reported ophthalmologic adverse effects of the currently available AEDs; their risks and possible pathogenic mechanisms. They include ocular motility dysfunctions, retinopathy, maculopathy, glaucoma, myopia, optic neuropathy, and impaired retinal vascular autoregulation. In general, ophthalmo-neuro- or retino-toxic adverse effects of AEDs are classified as type A (dose-dependent), type B (host-dependent or idiosyncratic) or type C which is due to the cumulative effect from long-term use.

Expert opinion: Ocular adverse effects of AEDs are rarely reviewed although some are frequent or may result in permanent blindness. Increasing knowledge of their incidence and improving understanding of their risks and pathogenic mechanisms are crucial for monitoring, prevention, and management of patients’ at risk.     

鞘磷脂类信号通路与动脉粥样硬化的研究进展

动脉粥样硬化是临床常见的冠心病和脑梗死等缺血性心脑血管疾病的主要病理基础,其病因复杂,发病机制尚未完全阐明。近年来,越来越多的研究显示鞘磷脂类信号通路可通过调节脂代谢、炎症和血管内皮功能等影响动脉粥样硬化的发生发展。文章综述了鞘磷脂类信号通路关键分子鞘磷脂、神经酰胺和1-磷酸鞘氨醇与动脉粥样硬化的关系,旨在为防治疾病提供新思路。     

Therapeutic effects of topical 0.03% Tacrolimus ointment in children with refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Middle East

ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to review the efficacy and safety profile in children treated with topical 0.03% Tacrolimus ointment for vernal keratoconjunctivitis in Middle East and to propose a treatment posology. According to recent studies, a complex non-IgE dependent mechanism plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Numerous cells and mediators have been found in the serum, conjunctiva and tears of patients with Vernal keratoconjunctivitis.DesignThis case series included 10 patients from a single centre, pediatric department of a tertiary hospital with active symptomatic vernal keratoconjunctivitis. All the patients had proliferative lesions and corneal involvement despite conventional medications, including topical steroids. All other medications, systemic and topical: steroids, antihistamines and cyclosporine, were unsuccessful. Patients were treated with topical 0.03% Tacrolimus ointment twice daily for 8 weeks and then once a day for the next two month followed by thrice a week for two months. The changes in symptoms and signs after treatment were evaluated, also the development of possible complications was assessed.ResultsThe results showed a significant reduction in signs and symptoms after 4 weeks of the treatment. Clinical resolution of giant papillae and corneal lesions were seen within eight weeks and no additional drug was required during that period, except tear substitutes. Treatment was continued for period of two months and then slowly reduced.ConclusionThe use of 0.03% Tacrolimus ointment is safe and effective in children refractory to conventional treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis even in high temperature climate as Middle East. Due to the effectiveness of the treatment, the dosage used may be proposed for conventional use.     

Applications of geospatial analyses in health research among homeless people: A systematic scoping review of available evidence

BackgroundUnequal housing access resulted in more than 150 million homeless people worldwide, with millions more expected to be added every year due to the ongoing climate-related crises. Homeless population has a counterproductive effect on the social, psychological integration efforts by the community and exposure to other severe health-related issues. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have long been applied in urban planning and policy, housing and homelessness, and health-related research.MethodsWe used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method to systematically review 24 articles collected from multiple databases (n = 10) that focused on health-related issues among homeless people and used geospatial analysis techniques in their research.ResultsOur findings indicated a geographic clustering of case study locations– 26 out of the 31 case study sites are from the USA and Canada. Studies used spatial analysis techniques to identify hotspots, clusters and patterns of patient location and population distribution. Studies also reported relationships among the location of homeless shelters and substance use, discarded needles, different infectious and non-infectious disease clusters.ConclusionMost studies were restricted in analyzing and visualizing the patterns and disease clusters; however, geospatial analyses techniques are useful and offer diverse techniques for a more sophisticated understanding of the spatial characteristics of the health issues among homeless people. Better integration of GIS in health research among the homeless would help formulate sensible policies to counter health inequities among this vulnerable population group.